apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel

ABSTRACT

An apparatus relating to an uncoiling mandrel. The apparatus comprises an elongated arcuate segment and a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment. A slot is located on the longitudinal portion. The apparatus has a shield that is rectangular. There is a flange that is integrally attached to an edge of the shield. The flange is attachable and detachable to the slot. The apparatus capable of being located between two arcuate segments in order to cover the insides of the uncoiling mandrel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The inventors noted that an unprotected mandrel can suffer from damage caused by all sorts of debris, abrasive mill scale to name one example. Mandrels which are used to hold rolls or coils of material, usually metal, can also act as an uncoiler of those coils.

When uncoiling, the mandrel expands inside an existing coil and pays off the sheet material into a processing line for secondary treatment of the material. In one example, the material being payed off comes directly from a hot rolling process. Hot rolled material is typically covered in heavy, abrasive oxidation, commonly known as “mill scale.” This scale must be removed by a process called pickling before further sizing or cold working can be performed.

Mill scale is frangible and very abrasive. The handling of the coil will cause particles to break off and settle everywhere, especially in the workings of the mandrel. These particles will cause accelerated wear. They will cause jams leading to breakage, with an overall effect of significantly shortening the life of the mandrel.

Too, a mandrel can get damaged this way anywhere that there is a hot rolled coil, which typically has abrasive scale on all its surfaces. Some examples of this would be in a Pickling operation, as well as on a heavy duty slitting line, and a shear process, where thick material is unrolled form a coil and cut into plate.

Presently, mandrels that are damaged from unwanted particle wear are sent to be repaired. The repair process is expensive, disruptive, and does nothing to address the underlying problem caused by particulate wearing. In other machinery, Bellows and overlapping metal plates are common methods of protecting machinery components from potentially damaging dirt, dust and debris. However, the high speed spinning and need to protect the inside of the mandrel along with the unique internal configurations make such solutions unworkable. The inventors have not seen such an application of bellows or way covers in their 45 years of experience in mandrel repair and design.

Some attempts to solve this problem have included external rails that are screwed into an expanding segment of a mandrel. However, this approach adds an unwanted outward dimension to the inside concave face, facing inward to the arbor of a mandrel. Too, such solutions require multiple pieces, e.g. a rail, screws, a shade piece, and an attachment between the shade piece and the rail.

There is a need in the industry for an apparatus that can protect mandrels from damage caused by unwanted debris and do so with minimal added material to an already crowded mandrel inside.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus that satisfies this need. We envisioned an expandable protecting mechanism, a shield so to speak similar to bellows or way covers for example, fitted inside the mandrel's internal segments to protect the internal workings of the mandrel. So, one benefit of the invention is shielding to protect internal components of the mandrel from coil scale.

The present invention relates to an uncoiling mandrel that is used to unwind steel sheet, for instance. The apparatus comprises an elongated arcuate segment. This is the expanding segment of mandrels that is moved outward and slid back inward through the use of a slide bar with ramps. There is a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment. For example, an obstructed surface along the inside face of an expanding segment.

There is a slot located on the longitudinal portion. We envision this being bored into the into the surface of the segment. The invention has a shield, in this example, that is rectangular. Though we understand there are other shield shapes that may suffice. There is a flange that is integrally attached to an edge of the shield. In the best mode the flange and the shield are fabricated to be a single integrated item.

The flange gets connected to the slot. This is best done by a snapping procedure whereby the shape of the flange and the shape of the slot are such that the flange snaps in with the exertion of pressure. Essentially, the flange is attachable and detachable to the slot. Yet, the operation of the mandrel and the expanding segment, moving inward and outward, does not detach the flange from the slot. We envision the flange having the capability of being elastic, or the shield being made from a flexible material or both to better achieve our solution.

We understand that a mandrel more than likely has several expanding segments that are oriented and make up the outside boundary of a mandrel. This is the surface on which a sheet of metal might be placed for uncoiling. So, the present invention works best when it is located between two expanding segments in order to cover the insides of the mandrel. Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention should further comprise a second flange being integrally attached to a second edge of the shield, ideally the edge opposite the other edge. This second flange being detachably connected to a second slot which is located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment. It should be obvious that the segments are sufficiently similar to one another. The elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel. In fact, the segments make up the outer boundary of the mandrel.

In another embodiment, the apparatus could have a shield that is constructed from a plurality of overlapping segments. The overlapping segments could be made from metal or some other durable material.

Another embodiment of the present invention for use with an uncoiling mandrel has an elongated arcuate segment with a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment, that face which faces the arbor portion of a mandrel. Again, there is a slot being located on the longitudinal portion with a rectangular shield. Too, the arcuate segment could include portions that extend away from the face where a slot could be located, either works sufficiently well.

The embodiment would include a flange that is integrally attached to an edge of the shield, attachably and detachably connected to the slot. Too we envision the flange being elastic with the shield being made from a flexible material, rubber, or the like to name one example of a flexible material.

Including in this embodiment a second flange that is integrally attached to a second edge of the shield. It is detachably connected to a second slot located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment that is sufficiently similar to the elongated arcuate segment. The elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel.

Another embodiment of the present apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel comprises an elongated arcuate segment with a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment. Also a slot being located on the longitudinal portion. There is a shield. The shield being rectangular and a flange being integrally attached to an edge of the shield.

The flange in the embodiment being detachably connected to the slot with the flange being elastic, to make it snappable into the slot. The shield being constructed from a plurality of overlapping segments. The overlapping segments being metal. Then there is a second flange being integrally attached to a second edge of the shield. The second flange being detachably connected to a second slot located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment.

This elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel. Again, the elongated arcuate segment and second one are essentially identical and with others like them make up the outer boundary of the mandrel. We envision there being an inventive shield extending between the gap of each such segment to create a fairly complete barrier against particles entering the inside portions of the mandrel.

The present invention provides for easy snapping of the shield onto a mandrel expanding segment. This is provided for via a slot and flange mechanism that attach—and detach—from one another. We have invented too in the present invention a way that provides for a method whereby the inside of a mandrel near the arbor is not further obstructed. Also, the present invention provides for use of different types of shields, e.g. fabric or metal plates sliding along one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention being used with a mandrel.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention being used with a mandrel.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed perspective view of a section of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an end view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION Overview.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention being used with a mandrel comprises a mandrel 124. The mandrel 124 having a plurality of elongated arcuate segments 120 attached to a central mechanism, an arbor for instance 121. A plurality of shields 122 being attached to the mandrel and positioned between the plurality of elongated arcuate segments 120 and the central mechanism 121. The elongated arcuate segments have a slot 125. The shields 122 snap into the slots 125 and prevent debris from passing the teeth 123 of the elongated arcuate segments 120 and infiltrating the central mechanism 121.

As shown in FIG. 2 , a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention being used with a mandrel comprises a mandrel 201 having a plurality of elongated arcuate segments 202 forming the outer boundary of the mandrel 201. The plurality of elongate arcuate segments 202 shown in an expanded position such that there is an opening between the toothed sides 204. Below the plurality of elongated arcuate segments 202 are located a plurality of shields 205. The shields 205 snap into slots 204 on the underside of the elongated arcuate segments 202. Importantly, the slots 204 are made into the surface facing the inside of the mandrel. That surface can be any shape and best when made to minimize any unneeded material being added to the inside area of the mandrel.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a detailed perspective view of a section of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of elongated arcuate segments 120. One of the plurality of shields 122 being attached to the mandrel and positioned between the plurality of elongated arcuate segments 120 and the central mechanism 121 (not shown). It can be seen at 130 how the shield 122 snaps into the slot 125. The slot is located on an integral portion of the arcuate segment 120 that extends away from the underside face of the arcuate segment 120 but the slot can be located on the face underneath the segment itself. We envision either configuration works sufficiently well at eliminating the need for an extra piece, e.g. a rail, for attachment of the shield.

As shown in FIG. 4 , shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention which comprises a slot 400 located on the underside of an arcuate segment 401 of a mandrel. Alternatively, FIG. 5 shows an end view of an embodiment of the present invention and comprises a view of the slots 501 located on an integral portion of an arcuate segment that extends away from the arcuate segment.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with the reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For instance, the mandrel can have both protective segments and flexible membranes or have one or the other. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with the reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For instance, the flange and shield need not be integrally manufactured, and other mechanisms besides snapping can be used to connect the flange and the shield. Certainly, the slot need not extend fully lengthwise along the longitudinal portion. So, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. 

What we claim is:
 1. An apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel, the apparatus comprising: an elongated arcuate segment; a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment; a slot being located on the longitudinal portion; a shield; the shield being rectangular; a flange being integrally attached to an edge of the shield; the flange being connected to the slot.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flange is detachably connected to the slot.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flange is elastic.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shield is made from flexible material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second flange being integrally attached to a second edge of the shield; the second flange being detachably connected to a second slot located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment; the elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel; the shield being capable of sufficiently covering a space between the two arcuate segments.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shield is constructed from a plurality of overlapping segments.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the overlapping segments are metal.
 8. An apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel, the apparatus comprising: an elongated arcuate segment; a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment; a slot being located on the longitudinal portion; a shield; the shield being rectangular; a flange being integrally attached to an edge of the shield; the flange being detachably connected to the slot; the flange being elastic; the shield being made from flexible material; a second flange being integrally attached to a second edge of the shield; the second flange being detachably connected to a second slot located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment that is sufficiently similar to the elongated arcuate segment; the elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the shield is capable of sufficiently covering a space between the two arcuate segments.
 10. An apparatus for use with an uncoiling mandrel, the apparatus comprising: an elongated arcuate segment; a longitudinal portion of a concave face of the elongated arcuate segment; a slot being located on the longitudinal portion; a shield; the shield being rectangular; a flange being integrally attached to an edge of the shield; the flange being detachably connected to the slot; the flange being elastic; the shield being constructed from a plurality of overlapping segments; the overlapping segments being metal; a second flange being integrally attached to a second edge of the shield; the second flange being detachably connected to a second slot located on a second longitudinal portion of a second elongated arcuate segment; the elongated arcuate segment and the second elongated arcuate segment being located about the perimeter of the uncoiling mandrel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the shield is capable of sufficiently covering a space between the two arcuate segments. 